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Verbal
Non-Verbal
Non-Verbal
Physical Contact: Indians prefer not to touch people when it can be avoided, but
they may touch someone's arm or hand when speaking so long as they are the same
gender. Body contact between the genders is kept minimal throughout most of India.
For example, hugging, kissing and holding hands are not customary.
Personal Space: Indians generally respect each other's personal space and an
arm's length of distance is common during interactions. This is usually similar
proximity to what Westerners are familiar with. They may stand further away from
those who are of the opposite gender.
Eye Contact: In general, Indians prefer to keep eye contact minimal or avert their
eyes from the opposite gender rather than sustaining eye contact. Some women may
avoid eye contact altogether. Direct eye contact is generally appropriate so long as
you divert your gaze every so often.
Whistling or Winking: Both these actions are considered sexually suggestive in
India.
Head Tilt: People may tilt their head to the side or shake it to both sides to indicate
agreement and understanding. This head movement is similar to the Western
gesture indicating “I don’t know” with a shrug of the shoulders and tilting one’s head
to the side.
Nodding: Indians will often nod to acknowledge what is said out of politeness.
However, this does not always mean they understand or agree.
Pointing and Beckoning: Pointing the index finger towards someone is considered
to be accusatory. A more polite way to beckon or refer to someone is to use your
whole palm facing down.
Body Language: Standing with your hands on your hips suggests that you are angry
or ready to argue.
Ears: Holding or pulling on one's ears is a gesture that indicates sincerity or
repentance.
Head: The head is considered to be the holiest part of one's body. Touching
someone on the top of the head is deemed to be insensitive and offensive.
Feet: Feet are thought to be the dirtiest part of the body, and displaying the soles of
one’s feet or touching people with one’s feet is considered rude.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indian-culture/indian-
culture-communication
Communication style in Canada
Verbal
Non-Verbal
Eye Contact: Eye contact should be maintained directly and broken intermittently.
People often make enough eye contact to show their sincerity, but do not hold it for
long durations to the point it seems scrutinising. Neglecting to make eye contact
during a conversation can signify boredom or disinterest.
Physical Contact: Canadians tend not to touch each other much during casual
conversation. Good friends may hug, but people are generally not tactile with those
they are not close with. A man showing a great deal of physical contact to a woman
(particularly in the workplace) can be seen as sexual harassment.
Personal Space: Canadians do not appreciate it when others invade their personal
space, and often keep about an arm’s length distance between themselves (as well
as in crowded situations, such as queues).
Gestures: Canadians tend not to gesticulate very much during conversation.
However, most usually enjoy conversing with those who do as it gives the impression
that the person making them is very interested in the conservation.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/canadian-culture/canadian-culture-communication